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Kentucky Derby Winners 1960-Present [Gallery]

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(L-R) Victor Espinoza rode American Pharoah ahead of Gary Stevens aboard Firing Line and Martin Garcia aboard Dortmund to win the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
May 2, 2015
This was the first leg of the Triple Crown that would eventually go to American Pharoah. I like the photo because this three-way battle was the biggest test for the champion.
Sam Upshaw Jr.; The C-J

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(L-R) Victor Espinoza rode American Pharoah ahead of Gary Stevens aboard Firing Line and Martin Garcia aboard Dortmund to win the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
May 2, 2015
This was the first leg of the Triple Crown that would eventually go to American Pharoah. I like the photo because this three-way battle was the biggest test for the champion.
Sam Upshaw Jr.; The C-J

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Venetian Way takes lead from Bally Ache entering stretch of the 1960 Kentucky Derby. Venetian Way won the Derby. May 7, 1960 By Bernie Metzroth, THE COURIER-JOURNAL

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Venetian Way takes lead from Bally Ache entering stretch of the 1960 Kentucky Derby. Venetian Way won the Derby. May 7, 1960
By Bernie Metzroth, THE COURIER-JOURNAL

John Sellers, on Kentucky Derby winner Carry Back. May 6, 1961 By Gean Baron, The Courier-Jouranl

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John Sellers, on Kentucky Derby winner Carry Back. May 6, 1961
By Gean Baron, The Courier-Jouranl

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With blinkers in place, Decidedly and jockey Bill Hartack pulled away to a 2 1/4 length victory over Roman Line in the 1962 Kentucky Derby. May 5, 1962 Photo by THE COURIER-JOURNAL

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With blinkers in place, Decidedly and jockey Bill Hartack pulled away to a 2 1/4 length victory over Roman Line in the 1962 Kentucky Derby. May 5, 1962
Photo by THE COURIER-JOURNAL

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Jockey Braulio Baeza and Chateaugay went on to win the 1963 Kentucky Derby. Apr 25 1963 By Larry Spitzer, THE COURIER-JOURNAL

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Jockey Braulio Baeza and Chateaugay went on to win the 1963 Kentucky Derby. Apr 25 1963
By Larry Spitzer, THE COURIER-JOURNAL

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Bill Shoemaker and Hill Rise, bumped twice in the early going, fell short of catching Bill Hartack and Northern Dancer in the '64 Derby, one of Shoe's three runner-up finishes. Northern Dancer beat Hill Rise in 2 minutes flat. May 2, 1964 By Bill Strode, The Courier-Journal

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Bill Shoemaker and Hill Rise, bumped twice in the early going, fell short of catching Bill Hartack and Northern Dancer in the '64 Derby, one of Shoe's three runner-up finishes. Northern Dancer beat Hill Rise in 2 minutes flat. May 2, 1964
By Bill Strode, The Courier-Journal

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Only this sign, whick tells the tale of the 1968 Kentucky Derby when Dancer's Image was forced to forfeit the winner's purse because of an illegal drug found in his urine, complicates the Churchill Downs' tradition of posting Derby winners' names around the track. May 5 1972 Photo by Ford Reid, THE COURIER-JOURNAL

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Only this sign, whick tells the tale of the 1968 Kentucky Derby when Dancer's Image was forced to forfeit the winner's purse because of an illegal drug found in his urine, complicates the Churchill Downs' tradition of posting Derby winners' names around the track. May 5 1972
Photo by Ford Reid, THE COURIER-JOURNAL

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After winning the 1967 Kentucky Derby, Proud Clarion was taken to the quarantine barn at Churchill Downs for a cooling-out period. May 6, 1967 By Warren Klosterman, THE COURIER-JOURNAL

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After winning the 1967 Kentucky Derby, Proud Clarion was taken to the quarantine barn at Churchill Downs for a cooling-out period. May 6, 1967
By Warren Klosterman, THE COURIER-JOURNAL

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Owner Mike Ford displays affection for Kauai King. The horse went on to win the 1966 Kentucky Derby. Apr 28, 1966 By Bud Kamenish, The Courier-Journal

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Owner Mike Ford displays affection for Kauai King. The horse went on to win the 1966 Kentucky Derby. Apr 28, 1966
By Bud Kamenish, The Courier-Journal

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Jockey Bill Shoemaker received a congratulatory kiss from his wife, Cindy, after winning the Kentucky Derby. May 3 1986 Photo by Bill Luster, THE COURIER-JOURNAL

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Jockey Bill Shoemaker received a congratulatory kiss from his wife, Cindy, after winning the Kentucky Derby. May 3 1986
Photo by Bill Luster, THE COURIER-JOURNAL

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Kentucky Derby winner Spend a Buck in the winner circle. May 4, 1985. By Jay Mather, The Courier-Journal

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Kentucky Derby winner Spend a Buck in the winner circle. May 4, 1985.
By Jay Mather, The Courier-Journal

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Seattle Slew, with jockey Jean Cruguet aboard wins the Kentucky Derby. Seattle Slew went on to win the triple crown of thoroughbred racing. May 7 1977. By Michael Coers, The Courier-Journal.

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Seattle Slew, with jockey Jean Cruguet aboard wins the Kentucky Derby. Seattle Slew went on to win the triple crown of thoroughbred racing. May 7 1977.
By Michael Coers, The Courier-Journal.

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Bold Forbes cools off during a stroll with his groom. Bold Forbes went on to win the 1976 Kentucky Derby. Apr 23, 1976 By Keith Williams, THE COURIER-JOURNAL

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Bold Forbes cools off during a stroll with his groom. Bold Forbes went on to win the 1976 Kentucky Derby. Apr 23, 1976
By Keith Williams, THE COURIER-JOURNAL

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Fusaichi Pegasus after winning the Kentucky Derby. May 6 2000 By Pam Spaulding, The Courier-Journal.

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Fusaichi Pegasus after winning the Kentucky Derby. May 6 2000
By Pam Spaulding, The Courier-Journal.

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Jockey Chris Antley holds up one finger as Charismatic wins the Kentucky Derby. May 1, 1999 By Michael Clevenger, The Courier-Journal

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Jockey Chris Antley holds up one finger as Charismatic wins the Kentucky Derby. May 1, 1999
By Michael Clevenger, The Courier-Journal

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Real Quiet, front, with Kent Desormeaux in the irons, drives down the frontstretch ahead of race favorite Indian Charlie, rear, with Gary Stevens aboard, during the 124th running of the Kentucky Derby, Saturday, May 2, 1998 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Real Quiet won the race, the second in a row for trainer Bob Baffert. By Michael Clevenger, The Courier-Journal

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Real Quiet, front, with Kent Desormeaux in the irons, drives down the frontstretch ahead of race favorite Indian Charlie, rear, with Gary Stevens aboard, during the 124th running of the Kentucky Derby, Saturday, May 2, 1998 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Real Quiet won the race, the second in a row for trainer Bob Baffert.
By Michael Clevenger, The Courier-Journal

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At the finish with Silver Charm and Captain Bodgit. 5-3-97 By Robert Steinau, The Courier-Journal

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At the finish with Silver Charm and Captain Bodgit. 5-3-97
By Robert Steinau, The Courier-Journal

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A jubilant Jerry Bailey crossed the finish line on Sea Hero after charging from behind. "It was like the Red Sea-every time I got into a position that would be crucial, they would part for me," he said. May 1, 1993 Stan Denny, Special to the CJ

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A jubilant Jerry Bailey crossed the finish line on Sea Hero after charging from behind. "It was like the Red Sea-every time I got into a position that would be crucial, they would part for me," he said. May 1, 1993
Stan Denny, Special to the CJ

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Jockey Pat Day praises the Lord after winning the Kentucky Derby aboard Lil E Tee. May 2, 1992. By Pat McDonogh, The Courier-Journal.

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Jockey Pat Day praises the Lord after winning the Kentucky Derby aboard Lil E Tee. May 2, 1992.
By Pat McDonogh, The Courier-Journal.

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Strike the gold in the home stretch, Chris Antley urged his horse on. Courier-Journal File Photo

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Strike the gold in the home stretch, Chris Antley urged his horse on.
Courier-Journal File Photo

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Unbridled on left, wins the 1990 Kentucky Derby. at the finish. By Paul Schuhmann, The Courier-Journal

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Unbridled on left, wins the 1990 Kentucky Derby. at the finish.
By Paul Schuhmann, The Courier-Journal

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Barbaro crosses the finish line to win the Derby. MAY 6 2006 By Pat McDonogh, The CJ

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Barbaro crosses the finish line to win the Derby. MAY 6 2006
By Pat McDonogh, The CJ

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Jockey Mike Smith signaled that he knew he had the victory in the 131st Kentucky Derby, as Giacomo edged Closing Argument and Afleet Alex after making up a lot of ground. Giacomo, at 50-1 odds, paid $102.60 on a $2 win bet, the second-highest payoff behind Donerail's $184.90 in 1913. By James Wallace, The CJ

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Jockey Mike Smith signaled that he knew he had the victory in the 131st Kentucky Derby, as Giacomo edged Closing Argument and Afleet Alex after making up a lot of ground. Giacomo, at 50-1 odds, paid $102.60 on a $2 win bet, the second-highest payoff behind Donerail's $184.90 in 1913.
By James Wallace, The CJ

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Jockey Jose Santos raised his hand in victory after he rode Funny Cide to a 1-length triumph over Empire Maker, left, in the 129th Kentucky Derby yesterday at Churchill Downs. May 3, 2003 By Michael Clevenger, The Courier-Journal

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Jockey Jose Santos raised his hand in victory after he rode Funny Cide to a 1-length triumph over Empire Maker, left, in the 129th Kentucky Derby yesterday at Churchill Downs. May 3, 2003
By Michael Clevenger, The Courier-Journal

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Victor Espinoza, aboard War Emblem, celebrates after crossing the line to win the Kentucky Derby. He's blowing the crowd a kiss.- By Michael Clevenger, The Courier-Journal

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Victor Espinoza, aboard War Emblem, celebrates after crossing the line to win the Kentucky Derby. He's blowing the crowd a kiss.-
By Michael Clevenger, The Courier-Journal

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While running six furlongs in 1:09.25, the fastest in Derby history, Songandaprayer continued to lead the early pacesetters as Congaree ranged up in fifth from the outside. Monarchos and Chavez edged up while racing wide but remained well back in 10th. By Wade Bell, Special to the Courier-Journal

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While running six furlongs in 1:09.25, the fastest in Derby history, Songandaprayer continued to lead the early pacesetters as Congaree ranged up in fifth from the outside. Monarchos and Chavez edged up while racing wide but remained well back in 10th.
By Wade Bell, Special to the Courier-Journal

Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:

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(L-R) Victor Espinoza rode American Pharoah ahead of Gary Stevens aboard Firing Line and Martin Garcia aboard Dortmund to win the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
May 2, 2015
This was the first leg of the Triple Crown that would eventually go to American Pharoah. I like the photo because this three-way battle was the biggest test for the champion.